Colts believe premier player will be available at No. 6

The Indianapolis Colts were able to move back just three spots in the 2018 NFL Draft after their trade with the New York Jets, while also adding three second-round picks – two of which are in this year’s crop.

Moving back was always an option for the Colts as general manager Chris Ballard needed extra picks to further the construction of the roster, but he feels they will still be able to grab premier talent, even after moving back.

Ballard also said they aren’t opposed to moving down again, but it would have to be a very attractive offer.

“We’re still open. You know, we’ll still be open if an opportunity — the right opportunity — presents itself at (No.) 6 to move down,” Ballard told the team’s website. “But right now we feel pretty good. It would have to be a pretty attractive offer for us to move away from (No.) 6 because the player we think we’re going to get.”

Despite moving back three spots, there is a chance the Colts can still grab some of the top players in the draft. Depending on what happens with the first five picks, the Colts might still be able to grab NC State edge rusher or Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson.

Every team ahead of the Colts is liable to take a quarterback and Penn State running back Saquon Barkley ahead of the No. 6 overall pick, which means there is a good chance the top prospects on their board will be there.

A lot will happen leading up to the draft at the end of April but the Colts made a big move in adding some picks, which becomes even more important after the quiet free agency they have had.

It isn’t clear which prospects will be available at No. 6 overall, but Ballard feels there will be some premier talent to choose from.